Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Durable; long-lasting; hard-wearing: Describes an object or material that is strong, solid, and does not break, wear out, or fade easily over time.
   • Enduring; steadfast; persistent: Describes a quality, state, or feeling that is stable, constant, and able to withstand difficulty or change over a long period.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Durable):
  • Sợi chỉ này rất bền. (This thread is very strong.)
  • Tôi cần mua một chiếc túi bền. (I need to buy a durable bag.)
  • Loại vải này nhuộm bền màu. (This fabric is dyed with fast colours.)
• Adjective (Enduring):
  • Anh ấy có một tình bạn rất bền vững. (He has a very enduring friendship.)
  • Chỉ sợ lòng không bền. (The only fear is that one's resolve is not steadfast.)
  • Cô ấy bền gan chờ đợi. (She waited with persistent patience.)

Advanced Usage

• "bền vững": sustainable; stable and long-lasting.
  • Phát triển kinh tế bền vững. (Sustainable economic development.)
• "bền bỉ": persevering; tenacious; showing persistent effort.
  • Tinh thần bền bỉ là chìa khóa của thành công. (A persevering spirit is the key to success.)
• "bền lòng": to remain steadfast in one's heart or resolve.
  • Hãy bền lòng vượt qua khó khăn. (Please remain steadfast to overcome difficulties.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bền chí (adj): strong-willed; having enduring willpower.
  • Người thành công thường rất bền chí. (Successful people are often very strong-willed.)
• Bền gan (adj): having enduring courage or patience; dogged.
  • Các vận động viên phải bền gan trong cuộc đua. (Athletes must be dogged in the race.)

Synonyms

• Durable: Long-lasting, hard-wearing (for objects).
• Sturdy: Strong and solidly built.
• Enduring: Lasting a long time; persistent (for abstract qualities).
• Steadfast: Firmly loyal or constant; unwavering.
• Resilient: Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

Related Idioms

• Ăn chắc mặc bền: (Literally: Eat solidly, dress durably) To live a prudent, frugal, and secure life, prioritizing practicality and durability.
  • Ông bà ta thường sống theo cách ăn chắc mặc bền. (Our ancestors often lived by the principle of practicality and durability.)
• Của bền tại người: (Literally: Possessions last because of the person) The longevity of an item depends on how the owner uses and cares for it.
  • Nhớ giữ gìn xe cộ, của bền tại người mà. (Remember to take care of your vehicle; its durability depends on the user.)

adj

1. Strong, solid, fast, long-wearing
   • sợi chỉ bền
     strong thread
   • vải nhuộm bền màu
     dyed cloth of fast colours
   • ăn chắc mặc bền
     eat stodgy food, dress is long-wearing clothes
2. Enduring, long-lasting
   • Không có việc gì khó, Chỉ sợ lòng không bền
     No job is hard if one's will is enduring; When there is a will, there is a´way
   • của phi nghĩa không thể bền được
     ill-gotten gains can never last long
   • bền gan chiến đấu
     to fight enduringly